CBCF Announces Two Honorees for Phoenix Awards Dinner - Cathy Hughes and Wade Henderson

Media Mogul Cathy Hughes and Civil Rights Leader Wade Henderson to be honored at 44th Annual Legislative Conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Incorporated (CBCF) announced two honorees for its annual Phoenix Awards Dinner, the culminating event of the 44th Annual Legislative Conference. Radio and Television Personality and Founder of media conglomerate Radio One, Cathy Hughes, and Civil Rights Leader Wade Henderson will be honored at the black-tie awards dinner on September 27 at 6 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

“This year’s honorees are examples of excellence when it comes to advancing entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and eliminating civil and social disparities that many African Americans face,” says A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of CBCF. “We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments through these deserving awards.”

Cathy Hughes will be honored with the CBCF’s Chair’s Phoenix Award, which is presented to an individual whose work and accomplishments stand as a role model for African Americans and the African Diaspora. Wade Henderson will receive the CBC Chair’s Phoenix Award, for exhibiting the highest standards of dedication, ability and creativity.

The Phoenix Awards Dinner supports the CBCF’s education, economic development and health and research programs.


Cathy Hughes is the founder and chairperson of Radio One. Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation. It is the first African-American company in radio history to dominate several major markets simultaneously. Cathy Hughes is the first and only African-American woman to chair a publicly held corporation. Hughes also serves on the CBCF’s board of directors.

Wade Henderson is the President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund. The Leadership Conference aims to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all people.

Past Phoenix Award honorees have included President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, George Edward Foreman, Sr., civil rights activist Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery and U.S. Rep. John Lewis.

Additional honorees and the keynote speaker will be announced in the weeks ahead.

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About ALC
The Annual Legislative Conference is one of the largest public policy conferences in the country focused on issues impacting African Americans and black communities around the world. ALC attracts nearly 9,000 attendees each year and features more than 70 issue forums on education, employment, healthcare, economic empowerment, the African Diaspora, cultural events and more.